Target ball game

ABSTRACT

A floor mounted, or wall mounted target assembly provides an audible indication of scoring a point when a ball or other type of resilient projectile is properly launched so as to impact the bulls eye portion of the target assembly. The target assembly includes a base unit positioned on the playing surface with foam cushioning elements affixed to the top surface of the base unit, which in turn support a steel ringer plate adhesively fixed to the top of the cushions. The action of the target assembly is such that a suitable projectile that is lofted through the air and lands upon the steel ringer plate, will cause deflection of the cushions supporting the ringer plate. This will result in the ringer plate impacting the raised portion of the base ( 22 ) with sufficient force to create a ringing noise.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Non-provisional Application for Patent is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional Application for Patent entitled, TARGETBALL GAME, having Ser. No. 11/416,581 filed on May 3, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to games utilizing a target and a ball. Specifically, the present invention relates to a target emitting a sound when any type of resilient object strikes substantially near the center portion of the target, or “bulls eye”.

2. Description of the Related Art

Basketball is a popular sport providing entertainment to both children and adults. The conventional sport of basketball utilizes a basket elevated 10 feet up on a pole, or mounted to a wall at the same height. The object of the game is to shoot a ball through the elevated basket. However, although this sport is very popular, there are some limitations. First, a ten foot pole having an attached basket and backboard is required. The use of the elevated basket is relatively expensive, and in most cases, requires that the pole and basket be permanently fixed in a particular spot. Also, the weight of the basket and backboard is such that the base of this unit must be suitably fixed to avoid upsetting, adding to the overall cost. Second, the traditional court layout for the game of basketball provides a substantially fixed arrangement, with two baskets located on opposite ends of the playing surface. With this arrangement, players may only approach the basket from one direction, limiting the action.

A game is needed that can be set up anywhere, without the need of expensive equipment, such as a ten foot pole, backboard, and attached steel hoop with net etc. The use of a floor mounted, or wall mounted target would be an advantage by providing a simple, inexpensive, yet effective means for setting up suitable goals in a variety of adaptable situations as called for by the type of areas available for play.

However, the use of a simple, flat target would not have a means to indicate when the ball in play, actually strikes the “bulls eye” portion of the target, or just rebounds for “no score”. An active device is needed which will audibly indicate that the ball has struck the bulls eye portion.

It would be a distinct advantage to have a target system in this sport, that would audibly indicate when a ball strikes the bulls eye portion of the target. For example, a mechanical or electrical means that can deliver an audible ring, or buzzer sound to indicate when the center of the target, or “bulls eye” is successfully contacted. It is the primary object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a FLOOR mounted target assembly. The target assembly includes a circular base consisting of a hard surface material with a circular raised portion affixed to the base.

Affixed in the center portion of the base is a plurality of circular foam cushions which act to provide a rebound feature. In addition, a circular steel disc which is proportionally one third of the base diameter, is cemented to the top of the cushions, and referred to herein as the “ringer” plate. The basic projectile for use against this target assembly may be any one of several types of inflatable ball, as used in other ball games such as volley ball, soccer, or basketball. When a ball is tossed or thrown at the target assembly, and hits substantially near the center thereof, or “bulls eye”, there is an audible ringing sound emitted by the “ringer” plate when impacted by the ball, and one or more points may be scored by the player or team making the accurate throw.

The audible ringing sound is produced by the sharp impact of the ringer plate against a raised circular portion affixed to the base, similar to the action of a tuning fork when struck. The foam cushions allow the ringer plate to be deflected, then provide an immediate rebound, so that the vibrations produced will be instantly audible.

In another aspect, the present invention is a WALL mounted target assembly and ball system including a ball that is used to score points when thrown in a correct manner. Points will be scored when the accuracy of the throw causes the ball to contact the ringer plate, located in the center, or “bulls eye” portion of the target.

A ball that misses the “bulls eye” and merely contacts the outer portion of the target, or misses the target altogether will not cause an audible ring, and thus will not score a point for that shot. This will be considered a “rebound” and the ball will remain in play until a score is made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cross sectional view of a target assembly that is the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the target assembly detailing the active portions of the “ringer”.

FIG. 3 illustrates the overall target design, as viewed from above, including the various color and decorative preferences.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a typical playing court where only one target is used, with boundaries and a typical 12 ft. diameter “forbidden” zone.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a typical playing court where two targets are used.

FIG. 6 is a view of a four wall play enclosure with from one to four wall mounted targets, at various heights of 3 to 5 feet from the floor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A target assembly utilizing an active center bulls eye section designed to emit an unmistakable sound to the players or spectators in attendance, verifying that an accurate shot has been made by a projectile contacting the bulls eye of the target. The target assembly may be floor mounted directly to the playing surface for various types of games, and on occasion may be mounted on one or more wall surfaces for similar action.

A target assembly in section view, is shown in FIG. 1. The target assembly (10) includes base (12), foam cushions (20), and ringer plate (18), constructed from steel with a sufficient thickness and hardness to produce a vibratory ringing sound when properly struck, similar to the sound produced by a tuning fork. A projectile (24), tossed with sufficient velocity, will deflect the ringer plate (18) downward and cause one edge to sharply impact the raised portion of the base unit (22) at ringer contact point (14). Normally, this will cause the ringer plate (18) to “ring”, just as happens with a tuning fork. The base unit (12) is constructed of a hard surface material, such as plastic, metal or wood. The foam cushions (20) are made of a resilient foam plastic approximately ¾″ thick. The base unit (12) is sized to provide assistance to the players when attempting to visually locate the target from some distance away. The weight and momentum of the projectile (24) will cause deflection of the ringer plate, (18) which impacts the raised portion of the base unit (22) at contact point (14), and produces an audible metallic ring.

The target assembly (10) in enlarged section view is shown in FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, foam cushions (20) of sufficient size and density act as “springs”, allowing rapid deflection and rebound of the projectile (24) and ringer plate (18). The foam cushions (20) are affixed to the ringer plate (18) and base unit (!2), via adhesives (16) and (17)

The target assembly(10) is designed to use three colors, preferably red, white and blue as noted in FIG. 3, and in one embodiment is no larger than 24″ in diameter for standard use.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the operation of the target assembly will now be explained. A player may throw any type of ball (24), toward the target assembly (10). Upon striking the ringer plate (18) with the ball (24), the ringer plate emits a noise caused by its direct contact against the raised portion of the base (22). In addition, the force of the ball (24) against the ringer plate causes the ringer plate to deflect from the normal position (A), to a deflected position (B). As the ringer plate (18) deflects downwardly and impacts the raised surface of the base (22), a very distinctive “ring” is emitted, as is commonly heard when a metallic object hits against another metallic object. As the ball (24) rebounds off the ringer plate(18) the ringer plate(18) returns to the normal horizontal position (A.) Players hear the ringing noise, indicating that the ball has correctly hit the bulls eye.

The target assembly (10) may be used in a wide variety of games referred to as target ball, whether mounted to the playing floor, or on a vertical wall surface. The primary object of the game is to score points by skillfully tossing or throwing a suitable ball so as to audibly contact the bulls eye centrally located on the target. Ideally, for best performance, the target is placed indoors on a hard surface, such as a floor or a wall, or outdoors on a concrete or brick surface that is non resilient. For games involving a floor mounted target, a circular zone is provided around the target, from 12 to 20 feet in diameter, hereinafter referred to as a forbidden zone (30) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. No player is allowed to step into, or otherwise enter this zone during offensive or defensive play. On most regulation basketball courts, three of these 12 foot diameter circles already exist, and may be used, or larger diameter circles may be painted if desired, depending upon the level of play. The forbidden zones around the targets reduce the possibility of a player stepping on, or tripping over the target, but primarily provides a more skillful shot because of the distance from the boundary to the target.

Having the target assembly located in one of the zones as indicated in FIGS. 4-5, provides a unique new dimension to the action, by allowing offensive players to shoot at the target from any position around the target, and conversely, the defending players must try to defend a larger area. Unlike basketball, which involves running back and forth between baskets located at each end of the playing court, target ball provides for a 360 degree activity around the target assembly. When two target assemblies are used, they are separated by a suitable distance, so there is some degree of running back and forth between them, but less than in the game of basketball. For beginners, and seniors, the reduced distance between opposing goals also reduces the physical effort required during competitive play.

By positioning the target assembly at floor level, the height advantage found by taller players, as in basketball, is somewhat diminished. In addition, the central location of the target assembly provides a greater area for rebound action, completely around the target assembly during missed shots. A ball that misses the bulls eye, or misses the target assembly altogether, is a free ball that can be “rebounded” by a player on either team, so long as no player intrudes into the forbidden zone.

When a score is made, no rebound action is allowed, and the ball is turned over to the opposing team for in-bounding from the appropriate sideline.

Preferably, when the game is played on a hard surface, dribbling the ball could be enforced, similar to the rules in basketball, but this rule, as well as other rules that may apply to basketball may be modified or changed, depending upon the playing surface available, and the relative abilities of the players etc.

Although target ball has been primarily depicted for use with a floor mounted target, any new game idea or set of rules may be utilized which will provide entertainment. The game may be played by utilizing many different types of inflatable balls, such as soccer balls volleyballs, beach balls, or basketballs, and the targets may be floor mounted or wall mounted, depending upon the space available, and the number of players on each team etc.

The game of target ball is designed to be versatile, and provides many advantages over existing games. A floor mounted, or wall mounted target assembly as illustrated in, FIG. 6, is considerably less expensive than the equipment required for other games, such as basketball, or volleyball. In addition, since the target assembly is lightweight, and portable, the playing area can be more flexible, and adaptable to existing facilities.

The exact dimensions for a target ball court may be modified as required to fit within existing facilities, however a typical basketball court as outlined in FIG. 5 would be a suitable arrangement for two teams of five or more players per team. A game utilizing only one goal, can be set up in any suitable arena, outdoors or indoors, as shown in FIG. 4. A wall mounted game may be set up for one wall or two walls as shown in FIG. 6.

While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof, and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims, to cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A target assembly comprising: a rigid circular base unit having a diameter; a plurality of cushion materials affixed to the center of the base unit; a circular ringer plate attached to the top portion of the cushion materials, whereby striking a projectile against an outer surface of the ringer plate creates a ringing noise, indicating the projectile has contacted the ringer plate.
 2. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a plurality of colored rings.
 3. The target assembly of claim 2 wherein the plurality of colored rings define active and inactive portions of the target assembly.
 4. The target assembly of claim 2 wherein the plurality of colored rings represent different types of material for active and inactive portions of the target assembly.
 5. The target assembly of claim 1 wherein the projectile strikes the ringer plate and deflects the ringer plate sufficiently to impact the base unit and cause the ringing noise.
 6. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the cushioning materials are affixed between the base unit and the ringer plate with an adhesive.
 7. The target assembly of claim 1 wherein the cushioning materials are constructed of a foam material.
 8. The target assembly of claim 1 wherein the ringer plate is made of steel.
 9. A target and ball system, the system comprising: a ball and a mounted target assembly having a base unit positioned on a solid flat surface; cushioning materials affixed to the base unit; and a ringer plate adhesively attached to a top portion of the cushioning materials. 10 The target and ball system of claim 9 wherein the ball and the target assembly is used in a game having a plurality of players attempting to hit the ringer plate with the ball.
 11. The target and ball system of claim 10, wherein the target assembly is located in the center of a circular forbidden zone, and a shot toward the target assembly is made from outside the forbidden zone.
 12. The target and ball system of claim 10, wherein the target assembly is a first target assembly, and further comprising a second target assembly located apart from the first target assembly, and wherein each of the first and second target assemblies are used to designate separate team goals.
 13. The target and ball system of claim 10, further comprising an additional ball, one of the balls being identified as belonging to one team, and the other ball being similarly identified for use by an opposing team.
 14. The target an ball system of claim 9, wherein the target assembly is mounted on a floor.
 15. The target and ball system of claim 9, wherein the target assembly is mounted on a wall. 